Dining and drinking in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Dining and drinking in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Where to eat and drink well in Wisconsin’s fourth largest city

Kenosha in southeastern Wisconsin lies halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. For many years, my only experience with the city involved driving on Interstate 94, which connects the cities and cuts through Kenosha’s western edge. I would make an occasional stop at roadside diners or cheese shops (Wisconsin is nicknamed American’s Dairyland, after all), but never ventured out east to the center.

It wasn’t until a friend moved to the city that I became aware of what I had been missing. Downtown Kenosha is steps away from Lake Michigan, and thanks to recent revitalization efforts, the area is filled withrestaurants serving diverse cuisine.

Sampling local cheese at the weekly Kenosha Harbor Market

Whether you are looking for casual Midwestern fare, haute cuisine, or local microbrews, Kenosha has it. Here are my recommended places in and around downtown.

Established in 1926, Franks Diner is the oldest operating lunch car diner in the US and a registered historical landmark. Before you go, arm yourself with patience and smiles: there are often long lines outside (especially on weekends), the service can be sassy, and the inside is crowded, hectic, and loud. But the payoff is a fun, unique dining experience in an old-school setting, plus large portions of freshly-prepared food.

The cozy restaurant, located about a 4-minute drive from downtown Kenosha, offers creative gourmet food in a relaxed atmosphere. Their menu is seasonal and special dining events (e.g. Wine Dinners) are held periodically. Recommended for a date night.

This downtown microbrewery began as a home-based operation and aims to provide “beer for the people.” The brews are available on tap and in growlers, and the taproom features chess, a shuffleboard table, and library of books about beer.

Kenosha’s oldest operating brewery, producing beer in small batches. They have brewing classes, “brew in progress” events (where you can watch how your beer is made), and live music performances on weekends.

Open 50 Saturdays a year, this European-style outdoor market near the lakefront is a destination for artisan bakery items, fresh fruit, and other locally-sourced goods. (Note: the market moves indoors in winter.)

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Pola Henderson is a travel writer, city explorer, expat, and event host. Traveling has been a part of her life since she was three. Pola grew up in Krakow, lived in Chicago for many years and is currently based in Paris, where she teaches Business English.

19 Comments

Great list of local eats in Kenosha. I will have to take a trip up there sometime. Maybe I will hijack an Electric boat in Chicago and cruise up there. I doubt I would make it through the locks though.Traveling Ted recently posted..If you don’t know – Chicago Electric Boat Co.

I’ve made that drive but didn’t stop. My problem when I’m on a road trip is I’m always in such a hurry to get to the destination, in this instance it was Milwaukee from Chicago. Maybe next time.Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted..Five Ways to Experience Baseball Travel

Funny – I first heard about the garbage plate in Rochester..still not game to eat it! Seems a like a lot of food! Thanks for the tips….thinking about a US road trip next year.Anita Mac recently posted..A New Orleans Comedy Of Errors

You know how I feel about Kenosha :-) I think The Working Dad & I should join you and Mr. JA on a trip up there so we could visit those breweries. I missed out on them when I was there last Fall. Harbor Market alone is worth a return trip; it’s incredible!Francesca recently posted..A family bonds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park